Jewish cemetery

The Jewish Cemetery in Split is one of the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Croatia and the region. It was founded in 1573, located on the slopes of Marjan Hill above the city, on a site that was then outside the city walls. The cemetery was used for over 350 years, until 1945, and today is a protected cultural monument and a valuable historical site that testifies to the long presence of the Jewish community in Split. The cemetery contains over 700 graves, the oldest of which date back to 1717, although it is assumed that many older monuments have disappeared or were made of materials that did not withstand the passage of time. The tombstones are mostly made of simple stone, often in the form of horizontal slabs with inscriptions in Hebrew, Italian and Croatian. Some are decorated with symbols, such as the menorah, the Star of David or floral motifs, while others are completely modest, reflecting the different social and religious customs within the community. The cemetery was active until the end of World War II, after which it ceased to be used due to the drastic reduction in the number of members of the Jewish community in Split. Inside the cemetery is the tomb of the famous Split rabbi Morpur and several memorial plaques in honor of members of the community who perished during the Holocaust. Near the entrance is a small mortuary (tahara), which was once used for the rites of preparing the deceased for burial, and has now been restored. A stone path leads to the cemetery that begins near Varoš, and the location itself offers a view of the city and the sea. Due to its location and historical significance, the Jewish Cemetery on Marjan is today an important point not only for members of the Jewish community, but also for all visitors interested in the cultural and religious history of Split. Although no longer active, the cemetery is occasionally used for commemorations and visits by descendants.